Last year French President Nicolas Sarkozy said that by 2020, all new buildings should "produce more energy than they consume" and that incandescent light bulbs and single-paned windows will be banned. It is also likely that taxes will be levied on foreign lorries using French roads and domestic airline routes served by high-speed trains.

"Buyers often ask for a property's credentials in terms of carbon footprint," says Benoit Maunie, Sales Manger of IMOINVEST international. "I think there is genuine concern amongst a vast majority of people. Also investors realise that tighter restrictions will inevitably be introduced over the years so a property with a good 'eco rating' will be far easier to sell in the future. Energy and eco-friendly awareness are now paramount in regards to French property development, and survival for that matter."

Indeed many eco-friendly developments are now appearing on the French property market.

Maunie continues: "Green building calls upon expert supervision from the conception of the development to the completion. Expert diagnoses are made of existing vegetation and crucial decisions as to what plants will be kept and others removed, all trees must be kept intact. 'Green Building' focuses on creating and not on destroying."

IMOINVEST are currently marketing Domaine de la Yerlande, a development of 113 eco-friendly French property units due for completion in the second quarter of 2009. Issued with a High Quality Environment certificate (HQE); a major focus of which is perfect energy control, construction of the development will reduce consumption of energy, as well as CO2 emissions. Existing vegetation will also be respected and protected by fencing; with nothing to be built within eight metres of this.

The development will also include a Jacuzzi, a hydro bike, an aqua gym, three swimming pools, and tennis courts, along with various other sports facilities and a restaurant. Prices start from 127,000 euros for a one-bedroom unit.

Leggett Immobilier is also offering an eco-friendly French property situated on the edge of a village in the Vendee, an hour from Nantes and La Rochelle. The five-bedroom property includes a large workshop and barn and boasts over an acre of land. Solar panels have been installed into the house and a Norwegian wood burner and double glazed windows help reduce energy usage. The property is on the market at 339,200 euros.

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Article first published 7 March 2008